W.A.F.T.A A.G.M. - CHAIRMAN'S REPORT For Year 2006

Membership continues to increase particularly in Castleton and Tondu, although members shooting in competitions seem to remain stable.

We have been saddened this year with the deaths of both Jon Thomas of our Tondu Club and David Baines BFTA Competition Secretary.

Jon was a stalwart of Tondu Club and of WAFTA and his dry humour and dedication to our sport, particularly to its safety aspects, will be a lasting legacy. He was one of our most experienced and talented shooters, both with his beloved Pro-Target and of course his pistol and was always willing to help and coach younger members. He will be sorely missed.

David Baines’s talent for course building and administration has left a gap in BFTA that will be hard to fill. Our condolences go to both families in their sad loss.

Highlights of the year: -

• WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – This was held in Poland and I am pleased to record that mention must be made of Dorian Falconer who was 6 th overall.
• EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – Hereagain, Dorian Falconer was in 6 th
• HOME INTERNATIONAL – Held this year in Scotland. Unfortunately, this year we were beaten into third place – none of us seemed to be on top form, although apparently, some of our team won the ‘convivial stakes’ the previous night!
• THE WELSH OPEN - another successful event which endured more than its fair share of wind and rain... Our Open was also GP1 and was well attended.
• WAFTA/SWEFTA Shoot – This year held in the East Devon FT Club. Unfortunately we were not able to enter our full strength team (Scotland the previous week?) and were narrowly beaten. However we supplied two shooters for the top three places – I and Steve Turner, who took the first prize.
• JON THOMAS MEMORIAL SHOOT – this was held in at the year’s end and a shield donated by Jon’s family, was presented by his sister to the winner, Barry Smith.
• WELSH MASTERS – Although won by a visitor from England (T. Williams), nevertheless, we took the next three places and all enjoyed the 80 shot course. Thanks to all who organised the day.
• B/GWENT Event –B/Gwent Field Target Club were once again involved at the Merthyr Tydfil Council's Event at Cyfarthfa Castle during both the May and August Bank Holidays. As always, a lot of hard work by the club resulted in good PR for our sport
• B/GWENT Barbeque – This is fast becoming THE popular event of the summer, combining family entertainment with an informal shoot.
• PRESENTATION NIGHT – The Annual Presentation night for the first five places in Groups A, B and C was held in December at the Hafodyrynys Rugby Football Club. Again many thanks to Marilyn Snook and helpers who both organised the evening and provided the excellent buffet. This time there was no disco, so that socialising would be easier (and quieter). Thanks also to Mark Bassett for the obtaining the Trophies.
• WEB SITE – Again we thank Wayne Wixey for running, editing and being responsible for our Web Site, in such a professional manner and also our thanks to John Johnson for maintaining the Stats for us.

Our thanks must go to Hilary and David Gage for their work on our behalf as our joint Secretariat and who are now standing down. We are grateful for their hard work over the past years and for their attendance at the BFTA meetings, keeping us informed and placing our contribution before those meetings.

Thanks again to our Treasurer, Gwyn Robinson, for his efforts keeping us on the straight and narrow!

I look forward to 2007 as a year to enjoy our sport even more, with new members joining as we continue to exhibit the acceptable and considerate face of Air Gun Field Target shooting.

John Lewis Chairman